Died: 8 June 2014
Popp, William A “Bill” 74 years, passed away on 8 June 2014 at his home. A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Bill came to this area 34 years ago from Newbury Park, CA.
Bill enjoyed a 32 year career as an airline captain in commercial aviation with the international cargo airline Flying Tiger Line and after an acquisition, with Federal Express. This career took him too many countries around the world where he made friends and he learned about and appreciated many cultures. After retirement, he returned to his farming roots when he took up his avocation of planting trees. He wanted to be known for this as much as his working career. He planted and grew landscape trees and tended his orange groves, turning many acres of land in Lake County into park-like settings and productive groves.
Bill’s big heart extended to many who will miss him greatly. He was a member of Rotary Club of DeLand, Rotary International, Flying Tiger Retired Pilots Association and the Florida Citrus Growers Association.
Mr. Popp was preceded in death by his sons, Phillip Popp and Paul Lucas. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife Hao Lan Popp, sons, Tony Popp of California, Larry (Jennifer) Popp of Deltona, Mark (Anna) Lucas of Gainesville, daughter in law Christine Lucas of Savannah, GA, brothers, Lawrence A. Popp of McKinney, TX and Frank B. Popp of Tavares, FL, sisters Nadine D. Foley of Umatilla, FL, Carolynn J. Littleton of Bokeelia, FL and Jewel K. Bennett of Fairbanks, Alaska, nephews Tony Nguyn of DeLand, Bill Popp of The Colony, TX, Frank Popp, The Colony, TX, Larry Mercer of Gardenia Ridge, TX, nieces Theresa Nguyen of San Diego, CA and Hanh Nguyen of DeLand, 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. “Bill will also be missed by his cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews and many friends and colleagues.”
The family will receive friends from 9:00 am until 10:00 am on Thursday, June 12 at the Lankford Funeral Home with a Celebration of his life at 10:00 am at the Lankford Funeral Home Chapel with burial afterwards at the Hollywood Cemetery in Orange City. You are invited to share your memories at www.lankfordfuneralhome.com. Donations in his memory may be made to the Halifax Health Hospice of Volusia and Flagler Counties and such donations will be appreciated.”
Bill is a 5th generation descendant of Friedrich and Rosina Seidemann. He is pictured on page 192 and listed on page 214 in the fourth edition of the Seidemann Family Tree Book. His genealogy line is as follows: Friedrich, Fredericka, Amiel, Dorothy, and William.